| Mr. Augustus Allebone started as a boot and shoe maker in 1902. In 1908 he moved to larger premises in High Street, and then built a new factory, fitted with electric light, electric power, and all the latest and best machinery in 1915. They made medium class youths’ and boys’ goods before the war, but Government work making British and Russian boots kept them fully occupied throughout the war. The business became a limited company (in 1913), Allebone & Sons Ltd, and was then managed by his two sons, Horace and Arthur Allebone, but when Horace joined up, his brother Arthur took control. The trademarks were Oakley Shoes and Prestige Footwear.
In the 1940s George Selwood & Co. shared the premises when the RAF took over his Harborough Road factory, and the company was retitled A & S Footwear Ltd.
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